“Art and Fashion Will Forever Be Intertwined”: Silk Laundry’s Art Prize

above WINNER OF THE 2022 SILK LAUNDRY ART PRIZE, ‘SUNRISE LILLIES’ BY OLIVIA PETERS

With pieces that exemplify quiet luxury, beautiful aesthetics and exceptional craftsmanship, Silk Laundry is known both for its iconic slip dresses and its ability to effortlessly mix art, design and fashion. It’s no surprise then, that as well as producing wearable art, the brand celebrates artistry in all its forms with the Silk Laundry Art Prize for photography. The annual competition – which asks photographers to submit original works around a theme – reflects founder and creative director Katie Kolodinski’s passion for art, artists and nature. 

“I’ve always had a deep appreciation for art, and artists, whether recognised for their works or carving time out of their days, or weeks, to embrace a moment of creativity,” says Katie. 

Entries are open until 7 September 2023, with Katie encouraging anyone to submit their images. “The Art Prize is open to people of all ages and situations and offers a platform to celebrate them,” she says. 

To learn more, we caught up with Katie to talk about this year’s unexpected theme and what might catch the eye of the judging panel. 

left KATIE KOLONDINSKI COURTESY OF SILK LAUNDRY right A PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION, ‘90S SLIP DRESS MAGIC MUSHROOM DARK EARTH’

How do you think the fashion and art worlds intersect? 

Art is often associated with emotions and so is fashion. Fashion is a direct expression of ourselves and how we present ourselves to the world. Now more than ever it seems the lines are being blurred, fashion brands are collaborating with artists which in turn is allowing art to be more accessible to a wider audience. 

Now more than ever it seems the lines are being blurred, fashion brands are collaborating with artists which in turn is allowing art to be more accessible to a wider audience.

Even when I am personally creating new collections I often turn to art pieces for colour combinations and inspiration. Art and fashion will forever be intertwined. 

This year’s theme is ‘Nature’s Laboratory’, which asks entrants to capture “the intricate beauty of insects right in our very own backyard”. What made you choose insects as a source of inspiration and creativity? 

As someone who appreciates nature, I am always searching for inspiration that defines the fundamental beauty of our world. 

I have, in the past, created special exclusive prints featuring endangered species. These prints have been largely focused on bigger animals. However, insects make up so much animal life on this planet and now it has been said that our global insect populations are declining by 2–2.5% each year due to habitat loss, pollution, insecticides, pesticides, and climate change. 

Insects are critical to most life on this planet and I feel their importance needs to be stressed.

Insects are at the base of the food chain feeding birds, fish, amphibians, and mammals as well as maintaining healthy soil and pollination. Insects are critical to most life on this planet and I feel their importance needs to be stressed. On a personal level, I just want to see what is around other people’s cities and homes and want this art prize to feel accessible to all. 

What will the judges be looking for when it comes to deciding the winners of the Silk Laundry Art Prize?

Sometimes you don’t know until you see it. However, we will be looking for something that makes us feel harmony and transports you to where the photos were taken. Technically, it will be based on the balance of composition, lighting, colour and quality.

ENTER THE SILK LAUNDRY ART PRIZE HERE!

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